Walk & Tour: Glacier Express, Zermatt & Engadine

Our itineraries typically include three days of guided walking, although some tours may vary. Each walking day has a choice of two walks that cater for different levels of ability and fitness.   

The first option will typically cover between 3-5 miles / 5-8km, with the other between 5-8 miles / 8-13km. The terrain and amount of ascent and descent will vary, and we will walk at a steady pace with time to stop and enjoy our surroundings along the way. 

We can't say how long walks will take as that will depend on the pace of the group. However, we have designed the routes to allow plenty of time during the day to relax, meaning a few hours of walking rather than full days. 

Of course, there will also be walking on many of our excursions as well, including city tours. 

All our walking holidays are designed for our Level 4 Active Adventurers. You will be an active person more than capable of walking the distances and the kinds of terrain detailed in the holiday descriptions. For further information, check out our mobility ratings.  

You should consider your fitness levels and be confident that you'll be able to manage the distances, ascents, descents and types of terrain described for the walk options that you're likely to choose. Remember - each walking holiday will include walks of varying grades.  

Choosing the right holiday and grade for your ability is essential for your enjoyment and safety, as well as the enjoyment and safety of others in the group. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us to discuss. We want to help you choose the perfect holiday for you. 

We've also graded all our walking routes on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the easiest. You can learn more by viewing our grading scale.

Lower grade walks

On our gentler walks, expect well-made tracks and footpaths with distances between 3-5 miles / 5-8 km. There may be some ascents and descents and occasional steeper sections.

Higher grade walks

On our more challenging walks, we'll often walk on more rugged ground and further distances (5-8 miles / 8-13km). There will be some longer ascents and descents and steeper sections. But don't expect to find scree paths, exposed ridges and high mountain trekking on a GRJ walking holiday; we leave that to others. 

Essential information included in each walk

In our holiday descriptions, we give essential information for every choice of walk. As well as each walk's grade, we state the distance (in miles and kms); the total amount of ascent and descent (in feet and metres); and the type of surfaces and terrain that you walk on.   You can also view the profile for each walk, showing the distance and the ascents/descents along the route.

• You can find more information regarding maps and route profiles here.

A GRJ Tour Manager will accompany you throughout your holiday, from departure to return, and will manage the logistics as usual.

Each walk will be led by local guides holding recognised walking, leading and first-aid qualifications. You may have different walking guides during the week, but all will be expert on the routes in your destination.

Your travelling group will have a maximum of 24 people. With a choice of two options on each day of guided walking, it's likely that each option will have between 6-18 people. This will of course vary and is subject to every customer's choice of walk.

Walking equipment and other items we recommend are:

• Day pack or small rucksack (15-30 litre capacity). We also recommend a waterproof cover or plastic bags for contents in case the pack is not waterproof.
• Water bottle or hydration bladder - minimum 1 litre, but additional bottles recommended. Consider a lightweight 'Chilly' bottle that will keep your water cold in hot weather. 
• Walking poles can be very useful for ascents and descents and longer distances but are not essential. You should be used to using them. 
• Personal first aid kit, including high factor suncream, lip salve and insect repellent. Blister plasters are an essential item, as they can make all the difference if your boots rub.  
• Mobile phone and camera. 
• Snacks. 

Water and snacks

You should carry ample water and fluids for the whole duration of your walk as there may not always be an opportunity to refill along the way. A minimum of 1 litre, but we suggest 2 litres, particularly in hot weather. Consider a lightweight 'Chilly' bottle that will keep your water cold in hot weather. 

Most walks start in the morning and are planned to either pause enroute or to finish where there are cafés and restaurants in time for lunch. Lunch is generally not included in the price of the holiday unless specifically stated in the holiday description. Where it's not possible for us to stop to purchase lunch locally, we will include a picnic lunch for you to carry. 

You may wish to bring your own snacks, or buy snacks locally, to eat during your walk.

Maps and guidebooks

There is no need for you to bring a map as all our included walks will be led by expert walking guides. You may want to download online mapping or a navigation app to your phone to follow your route, but this will be for your interest only and it's not necessary.  

However, we will give suggestions of additional walks that you can do in your free time and on days at leisure. For these, a map or a navigation app with local mapping will be required. 

For your own interest, you may want to bring a guidebook, but we provide local guides as described during your tour. 

Clothing

There is an almost infinite array of specialist walking clothing available, but you don't have to buy lots of expensive hi-tech gear to enjoy a walking holiday.

Basic items should include: 

• Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) and waterproof trousers. 
• Walking trousers and shorts (zip-off walking trousers which can be converted to shorts are also a good option). Please note: long trousers should be worn in grassy areas and meadows where there is a risk of ticks. 
• Several shirts, T-shirts and specialist walking shirts. Please note: heavier cotton garments are not recommended in warm or hot weather. 
• Lightweight long-sleeved tops. Layers are preferable to one thicker jumper or sweatshirt.
• Jacket and/or fleece.
• Plenty of comfortable walking socks. You may want to wear two pairs of socks on some walks to increase your comfort.
• Sunhat and sunglasses 
• Warm hat and gloves for alpine destinations. 
• Swimwear and a travel towel for a reviving dip or paddle on a hot day! 

Footwear

What you have on your feet is one of your most important considerations, both for your comfort and your safety. It's essential that your footwear has a firm sole and deep tread (eg. Vibram or similar).

Even on some of our lower-grade walks, you may be hiking on uneven and rough surfaces where it's very easy to misplace your footing and turn an ankle. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you wear lightweight or leather walking boots that provide good ankle support.  

Ensure that your boots are broken in and tested before you come on the holiday; blisters can ruin a walking holiday. Try them out with different thicknesses of socks and experiment with lacing to ensure maximum comfort. 

Trainers and sandals - even those marketed as hiking or trekking sandals - are not adequate and you won't be permitted on guided walks with these. 

You can choose either of the walk options on each walking day according to the nature of the walk, your ability and how you feel.

Ideally, you will be able to let your Tour Manager know the day before the walk so they can finalise arrangements with the guides. However, you will be able to make a final choice on the day subject to numbers and safety considerations.  

We should be able to accommodate most customers' first choice of walk, but some flexibility and co-operation may be required if numbers for a walk option are too high or too low to operate safely. Decisions regarding group sizes and safety rest with the Tour Manager and walk guides.  

We will always endeavour to operate the walks as described. However, we reserve the right to adjust the walk route, change the day of operation or provide a different walk due to changes on the ground, safety concerns, unfavourable weather or any other reason. Any changes will be made in the best interests of customers and are at the discretion of the Tour Manager and walking guides.  

Transport

Transfers, other local transport (including cable cars), entrance fees and permits for guided walks are all included in the price of your holiday, unless it's specifically stated in the holiday description that they are not included.

Food & drink

On some walks, there may be opportunities to stop for lunch, snacks or drinks, which you will pay for yourself.

Other attractions

On any walks where there is the chance to visit an additional attraction, we will make it clear in the itinerary that this is payable locally and at additional cost.